According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham United will return their attention in the summer transfer window to striker Darwin Nunez following their interest in the 22-year-old earlier this year.
Romano was speaking on the latest Here We Go podcast after the Hammers failed to land the striker in January.
Would Nunez be your first choice target?
Yes
No
It is believed the east Londoners had proposed a £37.43m bid for the Benfica ace in the final week of the window, however, were unable to secure a deal.
David Moyes’ side are currently operating with just one senior striker in their squad – and there will now be further pressure on Michail Antonio following Jarrod Bowen’s recent injury issue.
With the Hammers still aiming to land a spot in next season’s Champions League, Romano had the following to say about their plans for the summer:
“Darwin Nunez: top striker from Benfica. We know it will be a summer of strikers. And so West Ham wanted him in the final week of the transfer window in January, and they will try again. So Darwin Nunez, West Ham – but also other English important clubs will be [interested].”
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
Nunez has been in fine form this season, with 20 goals and two assists in his 21 appearances in the Portuguese top flight (via Transfermarkt).
And this is a contrast to the return from West Ham’s Antonio this season, with eight goals and just the one since the turn of the year.
Antonio has been able to provide seven assists this season, however, he is now on an eight-game league run without finding the back of the net.
So we think Romano’s comments will certainly excite the Hammers fans with a prolific striker potentially making his way to the London Stadium in the summer.
However, there may be a big emphasis on Moyes’ side at least making the Europa League this season, with Benfica currently occupying a Champions League qualification spot.
In other news: Serious upgrade: £27m star will be a forgotten man if big West Ham rumour comes true – opinion